Chlordiazepoxide overdose

Definition

Chlordiazepoxide is a prescription medicine used to treat certain anxiety disorders and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose. DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Alternative Names

Librium overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Chlordiazepoxide can be poisonous in high amounts.

Where Found

Chlordiazepoxide is found in medicines with these names:

Equibral

Librax

Librium

Mitran

Other medicines may also contain chlordiazepoxide.

Symptoms

Below are symptoms of a chlordiazepoxide overdose in different parts of the body.

Home Care

Seek medical help right away. Do NOT make the person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to.

Before Calling Emergency

Have this information ready:

Person's age, weight, and condition

The name of the medicine, and strength, if known

When it was swallowed

The amount swallowed

If the medicine was prescribed for the person

Poison Control

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. The person may receive:

Activated charcoal

Blood and urine tests

Breathing support, including oxygen, a tube through the mouth into the throat, and a breathing machine

Chest x-ray

CT scan (advanced brain imaging)

ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)

Intravenous (IV) fluids through a vein

Laxatives

Medicines to reverse the effects of the drug and treat symptoms

Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Outlook (Prognosis)

With proper care, full recovery is likely. But people with aplastic anemia (suppression of red blood cell production by the bone marrow) or those who overdose on multiple different substances may not recover fully.